This article is part of our Yahoo DFS Basketball series.
There will be plenty of action across the NBA on Friday with 10 games on the schedule. Not only does that mean there are several great matchups to watch, but it also means there are a lot of viable options in DFS across the price scale. Let's highlight some options to target and avoid as you create your Yahoo entry.
GUARDS
Russell Westbrook, OKC at CHI ($53): Westbrook's scoring might be down this season, but he's still averaging 22.7 points per game with a 31.7 percent usage rate. He's also averaging a triple-double again, leaving him with an extremely high floor in DFS. The Bulls might be 5-20, but they have Lauri Markkanen back now and are a better team at home, so they might actually be able to keep this game fairly close. As long as Westbrook gets enough playing time, he could put up a monster performance.
Darren Collison, IND at ORL ($20): Victor Oladipo (knee) has no timetable for his return and still isn't even practicing. A few players have been asked to shoulder more of the load in his absence, one of which is Collison. Collison isn't a reliable source for scoring, but he does provide plenty of assists and steals, helping him score at least 30.6 Yahoo points in five straight games. His price has increased by five dollars during that stretch, but he's still a great option to consider.
Guard to Avoid
Collin Sexton, CLE vs. SAC ($19): With all of the injuries on the Cavaliers, they quickly had to turn to rookie Sexton to take on a significant role. He doesn't provide much in the way of assists, but he was a steady offensive weapon while George Hill was out. However, with Hill back for the last three games, Sexton has scored 26.9 Yahoo points or fewer in each contest. Even though the Cavaliers are hoping that Sexton is a big part of their future, the presence of a healthy Hill limits his upside in DFS.
FORWARDS
DeMar DeRozan, SA vs. LAL ($34): At 11-14, the Spurs have the second-worst record in the Western Conference. Even after they traded away Kawhi Leonard, it's surprising that they have started out this poorly. DeRozan is still putting up significant numbers despite their struggles, although he has had a few quiet performances lately due to lopsided losses. One opponent he has been reliable against this year is the Lakers; he's scored at least 48.9 Yahoo points in each of their previous three meetings. Considering the Lakers play at the fifth-fastest pace (104.1 possessions per game) in the league, DeRozan has a favorable opportunity to be productive again Friday.
Josh Jackson, PHO vs. MIA ($15): The Suns are a dumpster fire right now. They entered the season short on talent, but it's turned really ugly with Devin Booker (hamstring) and T.J. Warren (ankle) currently injured. Both players could be out again Friday, which would leave Jackson in line for added playing time. After scoring 29.9 Yahoo points in four of his last five games, Jackson is a viable option in tournament play.
Forward to Avoid
Jabari Parker, CHI vs. OKC ($25): The Bulls have dealt with a lot of injuries this year, which has opened up significant playing time for Parker. However, Lauri Markkanen is back now and played 32 minutes Tuesday against the Pacers. As a result, Parker only logged 29 minutes and scored 19.1 Yahoo points in that contest. Since he doesn't come at a discount, keeping Parker out of your entry might be a sound strategy.
CENTERS
Tristan Thompson, CLE vs. SAC ($27): It feels like Thompson could fall out of bed and log a double-double right now. Not only does he have one in eight of his last nine games, but he's averaging 11.8 points and 11.8 rebounds for the season, overall. His playing time is secure with Kevin Love (toe) still out, leaving him with plenty of upside Friday against a Kings team that plays at the second-fastest pace (105.9).
Bam Adebayo, MIA at PHO ($10): Adebayo could be the steal of the night at this price. Hassan Whiteside (personal) did not travel with the team to Phoenix, which should set Adebayo up to start. He's played well when given added playing time, averaging 8.8 points, 9.9 rebounds, one steal and 1.3 blocks across eight games in which he's logged at least 20 minutes. This is also a great matchup since the Suns allow the second-most Yahoo points per game (55.2) to opposing centers.
Center to Avoid
Deandre Ayton, PHO vs. MIA ($28): Ayton didn't start Thursday against the Blazers for the first time this season, but he still logged 27 minutes. His production has been down of late. He's 29.1 Yahoo points or fewer in five straight games. Even if he returns to the starting lineup for this contest, his price and recent production don't make him a very appealing option.
